The "China-Singapore Exercise Cooperation 2025" joint maritime exercise kicked off at Changi Naval Base in Singapore on Friday, aiming to further enhance mutual trust and understanding between the two navies.
The joint exercise is taking place at Changi Naval Base and its surrounding waters.
The Chinese Navy's Xuchang, a Type 054A missile frigate, and Chishui, a Type 082II minehunter and minesweeper, are participating in the joint exercise following their appearance at the International Maritime Defense Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2025, one of the most influential defense events in Asia that concluded Thursday at Singapore's Changi Exhibition Center.
Singapore has deployed frigate RSS Steadfast and mine countermeasure vessel RSS Bedok.
During the drill, the two navies will conduct a series of drill subjects, including navigating through mine-threat areas, naval gunfire drills against targets at sea, joint search and rescue missions, and medical evacuation exercises.
"The joint exercise is organized in three phases, namely the harbor phase, the sea phase and the closing ceremony. After the opening ceremony, we will carry out ship visits, professional exchanges, and sports competitions during the harbor phase to further enhance mutual trust and understanding between the two sides," said Yang Peng, an officer aboard the Xuchang frigate.
China, Singapore kicks off joint maritime exercise
High in the Himalayas, Lhasa, the capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, has quietly become one of the country's most caffeinated cities, signaling a fresh business wave in this ancient cultural hub.
With more than 800 coffee shops now serving a population of under one million, the city hosts roughly one cafe for every 1,200 residents, giving it one of the highest cafe densities in the country.
But this is not simply a transplant of Western coffee culture. On Barkhor Street in Lhasa's old town, a historic Buddhist pilgrimage circuit, baristas are stirring centuries-old yak cheese into espresso -- a blend that mirrors the city's transformation from a spiritual center into a modern regional hub.
"We have got this great Xizang-style vibe. There are plenty of cafes in Lhasa, but we are special. Locals -- even 80-year-olds -- come here for Americanos. Plus, lots of tourists, including foreigners, come just to check us out," the owner of Senxia Coffee, a local hotspot, said, revealing the secret behind his cafe's pull.
That dedication to innovation and presenting Xizang's culture through every cup have earned the shop a loyal following.
"I make a trip here once a year. It is my fourth year coming. The taste never changes, but they always have a new special to try -- and it is always great!" said a tourist from the eastern municipality Tianjin.
"It's very unique, I like it a lot. It's good coffee and it's a very nice place. The courtyard here is different than a courtyard in Germany would be," a German tourist offered similar praise.
In 2025, Lhasa's GDP crossed the 100-billion-yuan (about 14.7 billion US dollars) mark creating fertile ground for entrepreneurs, who found coffee as a light-asset business easy to start with -- small footprint, fast setup, easy to brand.
Amid intense competitions, businesses loyal to their hometown and home culture wins, Senxia's owner said.
"There are tons of entrepreneurs here. Local college grads are coming back to start businesses, and friends from inland are moving here to do the same. So the competition is actually fierce. With so many cafes around, we feel pretty lucky to have made it, and we have definitely got our own unique vibe," he said.
Lahsa sees booming coffee scene infused with local culture
Lahsa sees booming coffee scene infused with local culture
